More barangay workers tested positive for drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Four more barangay employees in Cebu City were tested positive for illegal drug use during a surprise random drug test conducted by the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention.

A driver, two loaders and one support staff were among the 92 employees of Poblacion Pardo subjected to the test yesterday.

Barangay Captain Altea Lim said the members of the council will decide on whether or not to terminate these employees.

The four will undergo three months outpatient rehabilitation program provided by the city government. After three months another round of drug test will be conducted on them.

According to Lim, there were 14 employees including one councilman who failed to undergo the drug test because of alleged prior commitments.

She, however, said they would be subjected to the same test soon to be fair with the others.

So far, 67 barangay emplo-yees have been tested positive from 17 barangays already visited by COSAP. Among the latest to be tested positive were the five employees of Labangon and three from Barangay San Roque.

San Roque Barangay Captain Lidiore Miranda said he already terminated the three who tested positive for illegal drug use.

“I don’t have that kind of to-lerance. Para nako, the fact nga positive ka, you are not part of our organization. So maong pasayloon ko nila. Samtang ganahan ko nga naa sila diha pero ila man nang gihimo, wala tay mahimo. I do not know in the future basin naay (employees who will be accepted again)” Miranda said.

Labangon Barangay Captain Victor Buendia, on the other hand, said he would be willing to accept the five employees after rehabilitation.  (FREEMAN)